Stockton Leaders Working On Response To ICE Raids

Close to 900 undocumented individuals in northern California have become the target of recent raids by officers with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Since Sunday, more than 150 people have been arrested in San Francisco, Sacramento and Stockton for what ICE says are violations of federal U.S. immigration laws.

Stockton city leaders are working with community groups to come up with a response to deal with the raids and help people understand their rights.

“We are asking people, don’t give false information either, it’s better not to say anything, don’t try and change your name, for sure we don’t want you to try and run, any of those things. We just want to make sure you remain silent until you get an attorney,” said Pastor Trena Turner, executive director of Faith in the Valley.

In the past few months Mendota has repeatedly made the news over deportation fears. Back in May, ICE sent a letter to a minister and mother, ordering her to leave the country. Then last month the city proposed a resolution that would oppose California becoming a sanctuary state. "This community is under attack," said Leticia Valencia.

About 50 people across the San Joaquin Valley packed their bags and headed to a detention center in San Diego. The group represented Faith in the Valley, an organization that advocates for immigrants, low-wage workers and former inmates.

The American Civil Liberties Union of California (ACLU-CA) and local partner organizations today launched Hey, Meet Your DA!, a campaign designed to raise awareness about the powerful role district attorneys (DAs) play in the state’s 58 counties, and to increase accountability and transparency within the offices.

Faith in the Valley believes that by coming together as a region, we can leverage investment in our communities across the Valley, dramatically impact policies that benefit the most vulnerable members of our region, and build the power we need to make the Central Valley a place where all people can have safe and healthy lives.